Struggling to remove radiator

TCPIP_Fox

Trying to remove the radiator for decorating, but struggling to take it off.  

I use a gripper to hold the valve and use an adjustable wrench to move the nut (circled), but the whole valve starts to move.  Am I just being a dumbo and not holding the valve harder as I try to undo the nut? 

NSG666

Yes.
You need to grip the valve body tighter to stop it turning. Don't be tempted to use the head for leverage or you might snap it off.

FaceHead

NSG666 said:

Don't be tempted to use the head for leverage or you might snap it off.

Building on this, I'd suggest taking the TRV head off for safe keeping / to just get it our the way as a starting point. The head should screw off with only a few turns. 

nofoollikeold

1. Is that a union or compression connector?
2. Assuming spanner handle is above nut:
2a. Union would undo by pushing handle towards wall.
2b. Compression would undo by pulling handle away from wall.

Bendy_House

That nut is part of the rad's fitting, so is turned anti-clock as you look at it FROM the rad.

plumb1_2

Ya you need to grip the valve body before trying to undo the nut.
Also you could take the head off and fit a cap on top, usually use them while decorating 

benson1980

Having also done this of late, as advised above just make sure you are prepared for the TRV to not fully close off the valve i.e. water will still come out. If not done so already if you purchase some blanking nuts this will stop any dribbling water whilst you are decorating, where you may not have a complete seal. However when I took the last radiator off the TRV had completely failed so water literally poured out. I now have a tool I bought off ebay to properly clamp it down.

grumbler

Try using another adjustable spanner to hold from underneath  the vertical part of the elbow under the valve.